That Special Magic
-by: the Yarnspinner-
the_yarnspinner@yahoo.com
http://strands-of-moonlight.my3gb.com
-or- http://strands-of-moonlight.6te.net
A Sekkushiaru Roman
featuring characters from the anime "Sailor Moon"> Chapter 41 - Gala Evening <
Mamoru slipped the last of the fastening studs into the shirt of his dress tuxedo, then stepped into his pants. Usagi emerged from the bathroom, her hair hanging down over her back in a long, golden cascade. She walked over to the bed and started to pull on her new gown. He moved next to her to help.
"It's just lovely, Mamo-chan," she said.
He smiled. "You are lovely, my beautiful princess."
The gown was a pale pink and strapless, with golden accents across the bodice and trimming the waist.
"Will you fasten me up, please?"
"Of course," he said, starting to fasten the clasps. "Is it still fitting right?"
She took a breath, waiting as he fastened the gown. She then turned and ran a hand over her abdomen. "It's just a little snug, but not serious."
He leaned over and kissed her. "Well, I'm glad you got this chance to wear it."
She nodded, kissing him in return. "Yes. Pretty soon, it's not going to fit."
"You look absolutely beautiful," he said.
"Thank you, my prince," she said softly, smiling happily. "But now, would you help me with my hair?"
"Certainly."
He took her hair in his hands, drawing together two equal amounts from either side, which she fastened with a clasp at the base of her head.
"Thank you, Mamo-chan," she said softly.
He leaned down and kissed her cheek. Stepping back, he retrieved a small box from the shelf in the closet.
"What's that?" she asked.
"A gift for you," he said. "I saw this and just knew it was perfect for you." He opened the box and presented it to her.
She grinned as a wave of excitement swelled within her. Pulling back the tissue paper wrapping, she found a gold chain necklace. "Oh, Mamo-chan," she sighed. She took the chain from the box, now seeing a small crescent moon hanging from the chain with the points facing up. Holding it up, she stared at the necklace, then looked up at him. "It's wonderful."
"So are you," he said softly. "May I?"
"Oh, please," she said, handing him the necklace.
He slipped the necklace around her neck and carefully closed the clasp. She smiled happily, looking at it in the mirror.
"Thank you, Mamo-chan." She ran her finger over the crescent moon as it hung there, then turned and embraced him. "I love you so much."
"I love you, Usako," he said, smiling as he gazed down into those large, beautiful blue eyes of hers. He then leaned down and kissed this young woman he loved so much.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The main hall of the museum was filled with many of the elite of Tokyo, here to support the opening of the new exhibition.
Kenji and Ikuko entered the hall. He glanced around, immediately recognizing many of the people there. His journalistic instincts promptly kicked in. Though hardly of national importance, such a gathering was certainly a newsworthy event.
"Quite a crowd," Ikuko said softly.
Kenji nodded. "Yes, it is." He caught site of someone out of the corner of his eye, suddenly turning his head. "I don't believe it... The Prime Minister is here."
"What's wrong with that?" she asked.
"His coalition is in trouble," Kenji said. "I would think he would have many more pressing concerns just now than attending the opening of a new exhibit."
Just then, the curator approached them. "Ah, Tsukino-san. Welcome," the curator said with a bow. "We are honored to have you here."
Kenji bowed in return. "Thank you, Takeshita-san. This is my wife."
"A pleasure, Tsukino-san," Takeshita said to Ikuko, bowing once more.
"Thank you," Ikuko replied. "Your gala seems to be going very well, Takeshita-san."
"Yes," Takeshita agreed. "We are very pleased with it."
Kenji glanced around. "Quite a number of dignitaries," he observed.
Takeshita nodded. "We have been most fortunate in having a number of generous supporters... Ah, and I see another one of them now."
Kenji turned to look as Takeshita gestured, seeing Mamoru with Usagi on his arm. He frowned and set his jaw, still not happy to see them together. Ikuko gently squeezed his arm. As he continued to watch, Mamoru was approached by one of the museum directors. Usagi bowed as Mamoru was obviously introducing her. Kenji looked on as a feeling of amazement rose within him. He never would have imagined Usagi would handle herself so well in a situation like this, and wearing that dress, with a wrap over her shoulders and her hair in its current style, he grudgingly had to admit few people there were likely to guess her true age.
"I presume you already know Chiba-san, Tsukino-san," Takeshita said to Kenji. "That must be his fiancee with him. Have you met her?"
Kenji turned his head slowly, struggling for an answer. "Yes, Takeshita-san... Yes, I have."
Takeshita failed to notice Kenji's expression. "She certainly seems charming... If you don't mind my idle curiosity, Tsukino-san, how do you know her?"
Kenji looked over at Usagi again, seeing her standing alongside Mamoru just as Ikuko was standing next to him, and obviously being included in the conversation. Ikuko squeezed his arm again softly, obviously intending to let him answer for himself. "She's my daughter," he finally said.
Takeshita looked at him in surprise. "Really? Well, you must be very proud, Tsukino-san."
Ikuko struggled to suppress a smirk, knowing that Kenji was still anything but happy about this situation. Still, Kenji did seem to be impressed with how Usagi was conducting herself. Usagi probably didn't realize it, Ikuko reflected, but tonight might well be her best opportunity to win some degree of acceptance from Kenji.
"What?... Oh, ah... I, I guess so," Kenji stammered.
Takeshita paused, considering, then leaned closer. "Is she your eldest?"
Kenji was puzzled by the question, but nodded.
Takeshita smiled, then nodded, looking over to Ikuko. "I remember when my oldest daughter became engaged... I wasn't all that happy about it at the time either."
Ikuko smiled. "Fathers don't like losing their little girls," she said. "No matter how fine, respectable, and caring the young man might be."
"Very true," Takeshita agreed with a soft chuckle. "But just wait until you become a grandfather, Tsukino-san..."
Kenji's jaw tightened, while Ikuko groaned inwardly at Takeshita's unfortunate comment.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Mamoru and Usagi made their way through the crowd. A middle-aged man with black hair and wire-rimmed glasses approached him.
"Excuse me. Chiba-san, I presume?"
Mamoru nodded. "Yes, sir. I am Chiba Mamoru.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Chiba-san. I am Ota Saburo," the man said with a bow.
Mamoru bowed in return. "It is an honor, Minister." He turned to Usagi. "Ota-san is Minister of the Interior, Usako. Ota-san, this is my fiancee, Tsukino Usagi."
"The honor is mine, Tsukino-san," Ota said with a bow to Usagi.
Usagi smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Ota-san."
"I must say, Ota-san, I'm a bit surprised to see you here," Mamoru said. "I thought I'd heard the government was having problems."
Ota smiled. "It is a fact of politics, Chiba-san. The coalition is always only one vote away from collapse. Considering the banking crisis and these strange disturbances that have been happening lately in and around Tokyo, it is hardly surprising that there might be a bit more unease within the coalition, but the Prime Minister's position is not so weak as some might think. This is off the record, of course, but I think this will just shake out a few malcontents who were probably planning to challenge the Prime Minister anyway."
Mamoru nodded.
A thought crossed Usagi's mind. "Did the Prime Minister plan any of this?" she asked.
Ota looked at her, an expression of faint amusement crossing his face. "Your political sense is remarkably astute, Tsukino-san," he said. "Officially, of course, I couldn't comment on that."
Usagi smiled at the compliment, pleased to be pretty much holding her own in adult conversations.
"But actually," Ota continued. "I was looking for Kobayashi-san."
"I haven't seen him yet tonight," Mamoru said. "But I know he was planning to be here."
"Thank you, Chiba-san. It was a pleasure to meet you," Ota said. "And to meet your lovely fiancee."
"It was an honor, Ota-san," Usagi said.
Ota bowed again, then turned away. As he left, Takeshita approached them.
"Good evening, Chiba-san," Takeshita said. "I am honored you were able to attend, and to bring your fiancee with you."
"Thank you," Mamoru said. "Takeshita-san, this is Tsukino Usagi. Usako, Takeshita-san is curator of the museum."
"It is an honor, Takeshita-san," Usagi said.
Takeshita smiled. "By chance, Chiba-san, I happened to just be talking with your future father-in-law."
Usagi stiffened slightly. They had known her parents would be there, but hadn't quite expected something like this.
Mamoru managed to keep his smile, and nodded.
"But actually, I wanted to thank you again for the generous support the Chiba Foundation has given us," Takeshita said.
"You're quite welcome," Mamoru said.
"It really looks very impressive, Takeshita-san," Usagi added.
"Thank you," Takeshita said.
Mamoru looked past Takeshita, seeing Atana walking into the room where his artifacts were displayed. Rei was accompanying him.
"Would you excuse me, Takeshita-san? I see one of your contributors whom the Foundation has assisted," Mamoru said.
Takeshita glanced back to see Atana. "Oh, yes. That is Magi-san, from Hawaii, I do believe," he said. "Is that his wife with him?"
Usagi grinned, suppressing a giggle. "No, Takeshita-san. She is just a friend."
Takeshita nodded. "Enjoy your evening. It was a pleasure to see you, Chiba-san. And to meet your lovely fiancee."
Usagi smiled, holding Mamoru's arm.
"Thank you, Takeshita-san," Mamoru said with a nod.
Walking into the other room, Mamoru and Usagi soon caught up with Rei and Atana. Atana was wearing a tuxedo, while Rei wore a red floor-length gown with a white scarf around her neck.
"Hi, Rei-chan," Usagi called quietly.
Rei and Atana turned.
"Good evening, Atana-san," Mamoru said.
"Good evening, Mamoru-san," Atana replied.
"Hi, Usagi," Rei said with a smile. Her customary omission of the "chan" when addressing Usagi was now more a matter of habit than disrespect. "And how are the Chibas this evening?"
Usagi grinned. "We're doing fine, thank you." Unable to help herself, she started to giggle.
"What is it?" Rei asked. "What's so funny?"
"I'm sorry," Usagi said, pausing to take a breath. "We were just talking with the curator. He recognized Atana-san, and wondered if you were his wife."
Rei's eyes widened and she glanced up at Atana. "What did you tell him?" she asked Usagi.
"I said you and Atana were just friends," Usagi answered.
The four resumed walking, soon reaching the case where Atana's artifacts were on display.
"They did a very good job with the presentation, Atana-san," Mamoru commented. "I hope you're pleased with it."
"Yes. Very pleased," Atana said. "I've already had a few calls from some of the experts connected with the museum who've offered some suggestions about their possible background."
"Anything useful?" Mamoru asked.
"Possibly," Atana said. "But I'm coming to suspect these may be more related to my own personal history, in which case the archeologists are likely to be wrong."
Usagi nodded. "That's entirely possible. So much of the true story of the past has been erased and forgotten."
Just then, Ami and Ryo approached, followed by Geoff and Minako. Both young men wore tuxedos. Ami wore a light blue dress, a matching jacket with white trim, and a single strand of pearls at her neck, while Minako wore a strapless floor-length gown in pale orange, a matching headband in place of her usual red bow, and a gold chain with a small medallion around her neck.
"Good evening," Geoff said. "Quite a bash, isn't it."
"Yes, it is," Atana agreed.
"Hey, there's Makoto and Shinozaki," Minako said, waving to them.
Makoto had chosen to wear her hair down for the evening and was dressed in a low-cut green evening gown. She had a happy smile as she held Shinozaki's arm.
"Some people like to show off their, uhm, attributes," Rei quipped softly, noticing the fuller figured Makoto's gown.
"Hey, don't hide your bushels under a barrel," Minako said with a grin.
The others struggled to keep from bursting out laughing as Makoto joined them.
"What? What did I say?" Minako asked, seeing their reactions.
Geoff leaned closer. "You just mangled another expression," he said in a soft whisper. "A bushel is..."
"I know what it is," Minako countered. Suddenly, she caught on, a deep blush spreading across her face. "Oh, gods," she groaned.
"What's going on? Did I miss something?" Makoto asked.
With a grin, Usagi leaned forward. "Well, we were just treated to one of those old common expressions... as translated by Minako-chan."
Makoto rolled her eyes and grinned.
"And I'm afraid it was slightly, if unintentionally, at your expense, Mako-chan," Usagi added.
Makoto looked slightly confused for a moment, then waved it off. "Well, as long as it wasn't anything serious."
As they stood together, Ami realized Ryo's attention had drifted away. "What is it," she asked him softly. Following his gaze, she saw a tall, dark-haired woman standing several meters away, looking at Atana's artifacts.
Ryo leaned closer to whisper in Ami's ear. "Remember that interference I mentioned surrounding Atana?"
Ami nodded. "That was because he came forward in time, wasn't it?"
"I think so," Ryo said. "But that woman over there..."
"The same type of interference?" Ami asked.
Ryo shook his head. "There's a disturbance around her... covering those who are close enough to interact with her... but the woman... I don't know... It's like she's completely invisible."
"Invisible?"
"Yes. I can see her with my eyes... but to my psychic sense, she's just not there," Ryo said.
Mamoru leaned closer, having overheard part of their conversation. He turned to look at the woman they were talking about, and his eyes widened. "I don't believe it," he said, struggling to keep his voice low. "It's the woman I saw at the club."
Rei glanced back to see what they were looking at. "I saw her too... In the park," she said.
Usagi gazed at the woman thoughtfully, letting her mind go clear. Numerous disjointed memories of her past life seemed to swell up around her, and her bearing grew more assured and even regal. A faint smile spread across her face and she stepped forward.
Mamoru moved after her in surprise, determined to remain at Usagi's side. As he looked at the woman, a feeling of deja vu grew ever stronger.
The woman turned to look at them as Usagi and Mamoru moved toward her. She stood there quietly, making no effort to move.
"Hello," Usagi said softly. "I believe we've met, haven't we?... Pluto-san?"
The woman smiled and nodded, leaning closer. "That is true... your royal highness," she said, her voice barely a whisper.
Usagi was slightly taken aback by the use of the formal address.
The name rang in Mamoru's mind. 'Pluto?' he asked Usagi through their link.
'Sailor Pluto. The guardian of time,' Usagi replied. "Are you here because of Atana-san?" she asked aloud, keeping her voice quiet.
The older woman nodded again. "And those which followed him."
Usagi looked up in surprise. "Followed him? I don't understand."
Rei drew closer, feeling a wave of concern rising within her. "There's still a threat to him out there?"
Pluto shook her head. "Don't concern yourself about that... But I don't think this is the place to discuss it."
Usagi nodded. "Rei-chan, can we meet at the Temple tomorrow afternoon?"
"Yes, of course," Rei said.
"I will see you then," Pluto said. She nodded, then turned and walked away. A small cluster of people passed in front of her. When they had moved out of the way, there was no trace of her.
"Who was that?" Geoff asked, confused.
"Another Sailor," Usagi said quietly. "The guardian of time."
"That must be why I can't sense her," Ryo said.
Rei stepped back and took hold of Atana's arm. "I'd hate to think there are more of those things out there looking for you... or Kara," she told him.
Atana nodded, recognizing her deep and genuine concern. "She said we didn't need to be concerned about that," he said comfortingly. He didn't want to add to her own concern, but he was just as alarmed as she was at the possibility of Kara being threatened.
Mamoru held Usagi close. 'What do you think this means?' he asked through their link.
'I'm not sure,' she replied. 'But it sounds like those youma that were threatening Atana may have followed him from the past.'
'So, that could mean the Dark Kingdom in this era isn't after him,' he suggested.
'That's entirely possible,' she agreed.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Kobayashi and his wife approached Mamoru and Usagi, who were still in the room with the Polynesian displays.
"Good evening, Mamoru-san," Kobayashi called.
"Good evening, Kobayashi-san," Mamoru said. "Minister Ota-san was looking for you."
"Yes. I just saw him. Thank you," Kobayashi replied. "Is this your fiancee?"
"Yes," Mamoru said. "This is Tsukino Usagi. Usako, this is Kobayashi Shinichiro, the executor of my family estate, and his wife, Kobayashi Natsumi."
"It is an honor to meet you both," Usagi said with a bow.
"And an honor for me, Tsukino-san." Kobayashi Shinichiro bowed in return. He then turned to Mamoru. "I must say, Mamoru-san. I don't know how you do it, but the Chiba men always seem to find the most beautiful women to marry... and your fiancee is certainly no exception."
Usagi blushed. "You're too kind, Kobayashi-san."
"Oh, not at all," Kobayashi said.
Mamoru smiled, slipping an arm around Usagi's shoulders. "She's the most beautiful woman in the world as far as I'm concerned," he said.
"And he's the most wonderful man," Usagi said, smiling up at him lovingly.
Kobayashi smiled at his wife.
"You are a very fortunate man, Mamoru-san," Natsumi said.
Mamoru kissed Usagi's cheek. "I know," he said. "More fortunate than you can know, Natsumi-san, and I remind myself of that every day when I see her face."- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Kenji and Ikuko observed as Mamoru and Usagi came out of the other room with Kobayashi and his wife. At a glance, Kenji could see the changes in Usagi as she walked at Mamoru's side.
"They look very good together," Ikuko said softly. "Don't you think?"
Kenji scowled. "That doesn't necessarily prove anything."
Ikuko shook her head. "Do you really believe that?"
He sighed, no longer so sure. Usagi seemed still more grown up than she had just earlier that evening, and the difference from several months ago was nothing short of amazing. The more he saw of it, the more he was forced, very grudgingly and very reluctantly, to admit that this change was not just an act. In just the past few months his fourteen-year-old daughter really had matured into a young woman who was very much in love with a young man. He sighed inwardly. He still wasn't ready for it to happen so soon.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Everyone had gathered in the main room, where the curator and the chairman of the museum's board were publically thanking the contributors for making the exhibit possible.
Kobayashi stood beside Mamoru. A formal presentation of the check from the Chiba Foundation was next. The older man leaned closer and touched Mamoru's shoulder. Mamoru looked over at him.
"I was thinking, Mamoru-san," Kobayashi said. "Why don't you make the presentation tonight? Afterall, it's not that much longer until you legally come into the family holdings."
Mamoru looked surprised. "I don't know... I mean, I'm hardly prepared..."
"Don't worry about that," Kobayashi said. "You don't have to give a speech. Just make a brief presentation."
Mamoru stood there, remaining uncertain.
Usagi gently squeezed his arm. "I think you'd do a good job, Mamo-chan," she said softly.
Kobayashi nodded. "You have a very good partner there."
"I know," Mamoru said. He looked down into Usagi's eyes, seeing her love for him there. Leaning down, he kissed her, then turned back to Kobayashi and nodded. "Alright. I'll do it."
"Excellent," Kobayashi said. He handed Mamoru an envelope.
"Thank you," Mamoru said, slipping it into his pocket.
Kobayashi moved aside, handing a note to the curator's assistant.
Several minutes later, after glancing at the note, the curator returned to the podium. "And now, I'm pleased to invite to the podium Chiba Mamoru-san, representing the Chiba Foundation."
Usagi smiled at Mamoru, but he grabbed her arm and drew her along with him. 'If I'm going to do this, Usako, I'm going to have the woman I love there with me,' he said through their link.
She glanced over at him nervously, then nodded. 'Of course, Mamo-chan. A wife should stand with her husband.'
'And vice versa,' he replied.
'I love you, my prince. More than anything.'
'And I love you, Usako.'
Usagi stopped at the top of the steps, while Mamoru continued forward to bow to the curator and the chairman. He then withdrew the envelope from his pocket and stepped to the microphone.
"My late grandfather established the Chiba Foundation to promote cultural and educational projects," Mamoru said. "Thus, I am honored to present, on behalf of the Foundation, this donation to the museum in support of this fine exhibit." As the crowd applauded, he handed the envelope to Takeshita and bowed.
Takeshita accepted the envelope, bowed again, then moved to the microphone as Mamoru stepped back alongside Usagi, taking hold of her hand.
"Thank you, Chiba-san. We are greatly honored to enjoy the support of your foundation, which has made this exhibit possible," Takeshita said.
Mamoru bowed again to both Takeshita and the chairman. He and Usagi then turned and stepped off the podium.
'You did great, Mamo-chan. I knew you would.'
He smiled at her. 'I have my future wife with me.'
'I wouldn't be anywhere else,' she told him.
Kobayashi and his wife were waiting for them. "That was excellent, Mamoru-san," he said with a grin. "I should have had you start making those presentations some time ago. You are a natural at it."
"He's good at anything he sets his mind to," Usagi said, taking his arm and holding him close.
Mamoru sighed and nodded. He then leaned over and softly kissed Usagi on the lips.
Kobayashi's smile grew larger. "You're already the best thing that has ever happened for him, Tsukino-san," he said.
Usagi smiled happily. "And he is the best thing to happen to me, Kobayashi-san."
"You are a lovely couple," Natsumi said. "And I'm sure you'll make him a wonderful wife, Tsukino-san."
"I definitely intend to," Usagi replied, glancing up at Mamoru, her eyes aglow with her love for him.
Natsumi looked at Usagi thoughtfully. Finally, she leaned closer, keeping her voice low. "Is it true that you're really just fourteen?"
Usagi hesitated, then nodded. "Yes. That's right."
Natsumi shook her head in amazement. "I never would have guessed," she said. "When I first met you, Tsukino-san, I was sure Shinichiro must have been mistaken about that."
"She is an exceptional young woman," Mamoru said.
'And all yours, Mamo-chan,' Usagi said through their link.
"I know that I love her more every day," Mamoru continued.
"How are your parents reacting to this, Tsukino-san?" Natsumi asked.
"Please. You may call me Usagi," she said. "My mother has been quite supportive. My father still has some reservations, I'm afraid. But they have agreed to allow me to move in with him."
"You are very fortunate in that, Usagi-san. I doubt most parents would be so accepting, although I must admit I've never met another girl your age who was so self-possessed and mature," Natsumi said. She turned to Mamoru. "You know, Mamoru-san, if her age wasn't a difficulty, I would urge you to marry this exceptional young woman right away."
He smiled and nodded. "And if I could, I would do it without a moment's hesitation."
"So would I," Usagi agreed.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Rei and Atana stood together. Ever since their encounter with the mysterious Sailor Pluto, Rei had been holding Atana's hand or arm. He looked over at her once again, not minding.
"Your friend Usagi is remarkably mature," he commented. "I suspect few people here would seriously doubt that she was already Mamoru's wife."
Rei nodded. "Yes. She's really changed since I first met her. She used to be the most immature of all of us. But now, there's no questioning her role as leader."
He smiled. "You're all quite mature for your age," he said. "I'm not all that surprised the curator thought you might have been my wife."
She looked up at him. "In the past, we pretty much were."
He nodded. "Very true."
They walked to a table at one side of the room, where he picked up two glasses of punch.
"Thank you," she said, taking one of the glasses.
He glanced at his watch.
"Do you need to leave soon?" she asked.
"Not for a while yet, but Kara's sitter said she couldn't stay past ten," he said. He had found a young woman who was a student teacher at Kara's school who was willing to sit for her, particularly since he offered her considerably above the going rate.
She nodded in understanding.
"Did you want to come back with me?" he asked.
"If you don't mind," she answered.
"Not at all."
She smiled. "I like being with you, and I want to be involved with Kara, if I can."
"I'd like that," he said. "She needs a woman's presence in her life... as long as you're ready for that."
She took another sip of her punch. "I know... I... I don't think I'm ready for the full mother role... but that would probably be really awkward for her."
"You're absolutely right about that," he said.
"I was hoping we could maybe go slow with that," she said. "Maybe like getting her used to you having a new woman in your life."
"From her perspective, that's exactly the case," he said. "But I do want you in my life and hers."
"I'm glad," she said softly.
He took her glass from her, placing both glasses on the table. He then drew her into his arms and gently kissed her.
She sighed as a joyous warmth spread through her. As their lips separated, she blinked and looked up at him. "That was nice," she sighed.
Holding her in his arms, he felt memories of the past sweeping over him, recalling just how happy they had been together in her previous life. As he looked into her eyes, he knew he really did need her back in his life. Even in a new life, she still held a part of him within herself. "Yes. Very nice," he said quietly.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Kenji had just finished talking with another of the guests, his newsman's instincts picking up at least as much from what had not been said as from what had. As usual, Ikuko stood with him. They walked over to a table.
"Good evening, Tsukino-san," Kobayashi greeted him.
"Good evening, Kobayashi-san," Kenji replied. "Please allow me to introduce my wife, Ikuko."
Kobayashi and his wife both bowed. "It is an honor, Tsukino-san," he said. "And this is my wife, Natsumi."
"It is a pleasure to meet you both," Ikuko said.
"We were just talking with your daughter and her fiance," Natsumi said. "She is really a very charming young woman."
"Yes. She certainly is," Ikuko agreed with a nod.
Kenji just nodded.
"I've known Mamoru-san for years, and never have I seen him so happy," Natsumi continued, smiling. "Your daughter has obviously had a very good effect on him."
Ikuko nodded again. "And Mamoru-san has had a very good effect on her. Usagi's has been very happy since meeting him."
"They seem to go together very well," Kobayashi said. "She's already a very good partner for him."
Ikuko smiled, glancing over at Kenji.
"Yes," Natsumi said. "And I was amazed at how mature and self-possessed she is. You must both be very proud of her."
"Yes," Kenji said softly. "She takes after her mother in that."
Ikuko turned to look at Kenji in surprise, but very pleased with his response.
"My wife is a superb partner, and has been from the start," Kenji said, gently squeezing Ikuko's hand. "Obviously some of that has rubbed off."
Ikuko smiled, again recalling just how much she loved him. "My husband is too modest," she said. "Parenting is joint effort."
"Very true," Natsumi agreed. "And Usagi-san is a very lovely young woman."
"Yes, she is," Ikuko said. "And I'm sure she and Mamoru will be very happy together."
Kobayashi nodded. "She said she intended to be a good wife for him."
"It's just a pity they have to wait so long for that," Natsumi said. "I mean, before they can make it official."
Kenji frowned and took a sip of his drink.
"Yes. It is a pity," Ikuko said. She glanced over at Kenji again, deciding it would not be prudent to continue this particular line of conversation much further. She was fairly certain there was a solution to that particular problem, but didn't want to take the chance of either Kobayashi or his wife suggesting that just now, no matter how well-meaning they might be, and very likely undoing much of Kenji's improved attitude toward Usagi's relationship. "But please tell me, Kobayashi-san. How do you choose which programs to support? I'm sure the Chiba Foundation must receive more requests than even it can fund."
"Very true," Kobayashi said with a nod. "Even in a slow year, the foundation only approves about a third of the requests it receives. Mamoru-san's grandfather set down some pretty clear guidelines that have to be met in order to qualify."- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Usagi sighed and leaned against Mamoru.
"Are you alright, Usako?" he asked.
"Just a little warm," she said softly. "And a bit tired."
"Would you like to go home?"
She looked up at him. "I don't want you to have to leave early," she said.
He leaned down and kissed her. "You're the most important thing to me," he said. "If you're getting tired, my love, then of course I want to take you home."
She smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Mamo-chan. I love you so much." She slid her arms around his neck and kissed him.
"I love you," he said softly.
They kissed once more, then started to walk toward the door. As they walked, they approached Ami and Ryo.
"Are you leaving, Usagi-chan?" Ami asked.
Usagi nodded. "I'm feeling a bit tired, I'm afraid. We thought it would be a good idea to head home."
"I understand," Ami said. "Good night."
"Good night," Ryo said.
"Good night," Mamoru said.
"Take care of yourselves," Ami added.
"You too," Usagi said with a grin.
Ami blushed, but took hold of Ryo's arm. "I'm sure we will."
Moving toward the door again, they saw the Kobayashis, still talking with Usagi's parents.
"We really should say goodnight," Mamoru said softly.
"I know," she replied.
Kobayashi turned toward them as they approached. "Hello, Mamoru-san. Usagi-san."
Mamoru nodded. "Good evening, Kenji-san. Ikuko-san. Usagi was feeling tired so we're going to call it a night."
"Of course," Ikuko said. She stepped forward to give Usagi a hug. "I hope you didn't over-do it tonight, honey,"
"Not seriously, Mom," Usagi said.
"Good night, honey," Kenji said.
"Good night, Daddy," Usagi said.
Kobayashi smiled. "Thank you again for making the presentation, Mamoru-san... And it was a delight to meet you, Usagi-san."
"Thank you, Kobayashi-san," Usagi said, again taking hold of Mamoru's hand.
"If you don't mind my asking, Usagi-chan, have you thought about what you want to do after school?" Natsumi asked.
Usagi glanced up at Mamoru with a smile. "Actually, I have thought about it... quite a bit lately."
Kenji raised an eyebrow.
"Is it something you're willing to discuss?" Natsumi asked.
Usagi nodded. "I want to do what my mother does."
Kenji glanced over at Ikuko.
"I want to be a housewife," Usagi continued with a bright smile.
Natsumi nodded. "It's not exactly in fashion among some of the younger generation."
"I don't care," Usagi said, without hesitation. "I want to make a good home for the man I love, and raise our children. I know what a great job my mother has done, and I hope I can do as well."
Ikuko found herself with a lump in her throat, gently squeezing Kenji's hand. When she had married Kenji, she had felt exactly the same, and had found it the most rewarding experience.
Kenji looked at his wife again, this time a more lingering gaze. He could hardly believe this was his daughter speaking.
"I quite agree with you there, Usagi-san," Natsumi said.
"And... and what do you think of that, Mamoru-san?" Kenji asked, a slight frown returning to his face.
"I am happy to support any decision Usagi wants to make," Mamoru said. "My mother was not a stay-at-home-mom, so I certainly don't have a real preconception that that should be the woman's role."
Kenji nodded, recalling that he had felt the same way when Ikuko had chosen not to pursue a professional career.
"But we really should be going," Mamoru continued. "Good night."
"Good night," Kobayashi said.
Kenji simply nodded, still considering everything he had seen that evening.
As Mamoru and Usagi reached the door, he handed his ticket to the parking attendant, then drew Usagi into his arms and kissed her.
"I love you more than anything," he whispered.
"I love you, Mamo-chan," she sighed.< To be continued >
* * * * * * * * * * * *
NOTE: More to come.Hopeless Romantic and I now have a message group to notify our readers when we post new stories/chapters. Those who are interested can sign up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/strands_of_moonlight/ .
Always remember, good gentles, that a yarnspinner works from and within existing legends and stories. The characters of "Sailor Moon" belong to others. In spinning my yarns, I do not seek to infringe on their rights of ownership, but merely to join with other fans to spread the legend still further. "The moonlight carries a message of love." Enjoy.
-06.24.2002